May 24, 2019 – The vintage “Dragon” and “Kiddy” roller coasters at Playland Park in Rye were featured by the Los Angeles Times along with 19 other vintage coasters from around the world.
According to list curator Brady MacDonald, most of the coasters on the list “were built in the 1920s during the ‘Golden Age of Roller Coasters’ or earlier.” The information for this feature was gathered from the “Roller Coaster Database” and “American Coaster Enthusiasts.”
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Playland is formally recognized as a National Historic Landmark – and more informally is cemented in the hearts and minds of all who have walked around the Westchester treasure as a child or as an adult. We are proud to see this gem recognized all the way across the Country.”
Westchester County Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathleen O’Connor said: “Our parks staff dedicate a lot of labor – and even more love – to maintain these vintage, historic rides for all to enjoy. Playland is a special place and deserves all of the recognition it receives.”
The full list, with classic images, can be seen HERE. Purchase tickets to ride these vintage coasters HERE.
About Playland Park
Playland has been Westchester County and the New York Metropolitan areas’ great family amusement park and entertainment center since 1928. Playland has the distinction of being America's first totally planned amusement park and prototype for today's theme parks. Art Deco structures and symmetrical colonnades are the hallmark of Playland’s singular architectural flow. Playland was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987 and is owned by Westchester County and operated by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. The park offers 50 major and Kiddyland rides and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each season. Playland operates seven original classic rides -- the Dragon Caster, Derby Racer, Grand Carousel (currently under restoration, scheduled to reopen in 2020), Whip, Ye Old Mill, Kiddy Coaster and Kiddy Carousel, all of which are National Historic Landmarks. Playland also features lake boating, mini golf, games of skill, arcade games, a variety of food stands, fireworks on Fridays (July and August), laser shows, and concerts on the Music Tower Stage. The Pier Restaurant and Tiki Bar, the Westchester Children’s Museum, Playland Ice Casino, beach and pool and art gallery space are located on the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is part of Playland’s Seaside Walk - the largest stretch of public parkland on Long Island Sound in Westchester County. Playland hosts parties for groups of 100 to 10,000 with catered events tailored to the needs of clients. Playland generates $28 million a year for the region through off-site spending, in-park spending and job creation.